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Myth Busting: Can you use cruise control in the wet?

The internet can be awesome, but it can also get things very, very wrong… and whether you should or shouldn’t use cruise control in the wet is one of those things.

TYPE INTO GOOGLE (or your search engine of choice), ‘should I use cruise control in the wet’, or rain, or any derivation of that statement and you’re likely to get some sensationalistic article written by someone from a lifestyle blog. They’ll trundle out that wonderful line about how you should never, ever, ever use cruise control when there’s water on the road, or it’s raining, or, whatever because your car will speed up. And they’re wrong.

And the amazing thing is that that opinion was never correct, not even in 1958 when cruise control arrived on the scene. Now, before we go too much deeper, I’d like to point out that this article isn’t my opinion, rather, I chatted with the technical boss of a major car company to get to grips with the subject and compiled it from that conversation.

Back to Google… the top entry I found was written by someone who clearly assumed that cruise control was some dim-witted force that could be tricked in wet weather. And, that if your vehicle began to aquaplane, which is the root cause of this myth, that cruise control will cause the vehicle to speed up out of control. The same writer then went onto argue with a reader in the comments section that he was correct because his car didn’t have traction control to stop his car from accelerating out of control in the wet.

And no doubt you’ve all seen chain emails about some lady driving between somewhere and somewhere else in the rain, she aquaplanes and the vehicle begins speeding, she gets pulled over by a police officer who tells her you should never use cruise control in the wet. This email originated in the US, but has been Australian-ised. And it’s bollocks.

Let’s unpack some of this… What is cruise control and how does it work? According to The Macquarie Dictionary of Motoring, cruise control is: “[A] device which enables the driver to maintain a fixed speed. The vehicle will keep to the chosen speed regardless of road undulations unless the brake pedal or accelerator is touched. It is mainly used to reduce fatigue and comply with speed regulations on long trips.

Cruise control as we know it, was invented by a bloke called Ralph Teeter, who was blind. He came up with the idea after travelling with his lawyer who would slow down when listening to a conversation and speed up when talking. Teeter was one of the finest automotive engineers of his time and his patent for cruise control was filed in 1948 and launched on the Chrysler Imperial in 1958; and was standard fit on all Cadillacs of the time.

Cruise control controls your car’s speed via the throttle. In a car with a cable driven throttle there will usually be two cables side by side, one being the throttle cable proper and the other being the cable that the cruise control uses, which comes from an actuator via a vacuum instead of the throttle pedal. When cruise control is engaged the ‘second’ cable from the actuator moves, moving the throttle cable with it.

In a car with a fly-by-wire throttle then the system will be, obviously, an electronic arrangement. But, in both scenarios the system is designed to increase or decrease the engine’s power, which speeds up or slows the car down. The cruise control doesn’t usually touch the car’s brakes, it works on the throttle only. And if you’ve got a car with an automatic gearbox then the gears will change without affecting the cruise control.

The whole thing, no matter the mechanics of the system, is run through a cruise control computer which tells the cruise control when the car has reached the desired speed or when it’s falling away from the desired speed. It’s also able to tell the system when the brake pedal has been pressed so that it doesn’t try and fight against the driver, and instead deactivates the cruise system. Clever.

So, how does cruise control measure the speed of the vehicle? A vehicle’s speed is generally measured via either the driveshaft or transmission. And, so, cruise control is measuring the speed of the driven wheels. And here is the key, if your vehicle begins to aquaplane on a wet road and the wheels begin rotating faster, then cruise control will release the throttle to slow down the vehicle to the pre-set speed.

What does cruise control have to do with aquaplaning and travelling faster than the pre-set speed? Nothing whatsoever. Driving on a wet road is dangerous because grip is reduced. Add to that poorly maintained tyres (low grip, under or over-inflated) and you’ve got a recipe for disaster and cruise control has nothing to do with it.

Rather it’s how a driver reacts to aquaplaning that matters most, and quite often those who’ve engaged cruise control will nail the throttle to disconnect cruise control. And this can make a bad situation worse. Aquaplaning is the result of hitting a standing patch of water on the road and the tyre’s inability to shed the water quick enough, causing the vehicle to skim across the water without grip – travelling slower reduces the risk of this occurring. In most cases, you’ll skim only a short distance before the tyres regain their purchase on the road; your vehicle will aquaplane whether you’ve got cruise control on or not.

The next part of the argument is cornering and cruise control. Cruise control is simply a way of maintaining a set speed, it has no way of working out what’s on the road, what the corner’s like or whether you need to brake before the bend in the road. That’s the driver’s responsibility. And that’s the key here, when you get behind the wheel of a car, it’s the driver who needs to control the brakes, throttle and steering.

One example we were given by the engineer we spoke with was this: Say you’re on a road that’s signposted at 100km/h and you approach a corner where the suggested speed for that corner is 80km/h; the driver would slow down and drive around the corner. But, if you’ve got cruise control set, it doesn’t know the corner is there or how tight it is, it can’t read the sign, so it keeps the vehicle travelling at 100km/h. The perception is that the vehicle is taking the corner too fast and over-speeding and it is, only it isn’t. As mentioned, cruise control doesn’t know the corner is there and just maintains the speed that’s been set which is ultimately too fast, but it’s not cruise control’s fault, it’s the driver’s fault. And that’s because cruise control is not an auto-pilot.

Because the car has travelled around the corner too quickly and potentially lost grip and begun to either under- or oversteer, several vehicle safety systems will activate to keep the car pointing in the right direction. Traction and stability controls might activate, either killing engine power or braking individual wheels, or if fitted torque vectoring will activate and shuffle torque from the over-loaded wheels to those with grip. And, because all the systems are interlinked, cruise control will be killed.

But, in almost every scenario, it’s the driver’s responsibility to drive to the conditions, be they a corner, a dirt road, rain or heavy traffic. Blaming cruise control for your lack of attention, is like saying, the devil made me do it. So, let’s all take some responsibility for how we drive and call ‘time’ on the clickbait articles suggesting you can blame something else.

So, if you do want to use cruise control in the wet, go for it, but just like you would if you weren’t using it, set the speed a little lower than the signposted limit. And make sure your tyres are in good condition and inflated to the correct pressure.

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Isaac, I believe this is only partly correct. The cruise control will not drive you past the pre-set speed irrespective of the road surface conditions unless you are going over a hill crest before the set speed is reached, in which case you will exceed your set speed, particularly if you are driving an auto trans, and particularly those where the top 2 or 3 gears are overdrives which they nearly all are now. However it WILL accelerate your wheel speed wildly if you have previously disengaged it and you resume it when your road speed is substantially below the pre-set and you are on a slippery surface like ice or sheet water and going up hill. The more powerful your car, the worse the resulting mayhem as the torque kicks down the transmission because you are going slower than the trans wants to operate. Let’s say you’re set for 100kph but doing 70 behind a slow coach in the rain and you arrive at the bottom of a long slow hill with a passing lane approaching so you pull to the right lane and engage your cruise. The cruise knows you are doing 70 but wants to get you to 100 as soon as it can by throttling up until the drivetrain reaches the calibrated wheel speed. If you have little or no traction or it is compromised by road surface conditions, it will go ballistic. It will go wheelspin, no wheelspin, wheelspin, no wheelspin until you either have a panic and the car flies off the scene, or you disengage it. I think this phenomenon is behind some excursions into the shrubs by other people in my part of the world (QLD) during wet weather. I would like to hear what others (I’m thinking automotive engineers here) think about this.

Don’t be so stupid, don’t ever use cruise control in the rain

You’re very uneducated. It actually happened to me and I’m lucky to be alive.

What is cruise control and how does it work?

Reader question: should i cancel cruise control downhill.

Isaac Bober

Is Using Cruise Control on Wet Roads Dangerous?

Snow, ice, slush, or even rain can cause wheel-spin and loss of control, situations to which drivers must react quickly., barbara mikkelson, published nov. 18, 2002.

About this rating

We began seeing this form of cautionary tale about automobile cruise control systems turn up in inboxes in November 2002:

I had a wreck a couple of weeks ago and totaled our Lincoln Town Car. I hydroplaned on Hwy 135 between Gladewater & Kilgore, Texas. I was not hurt, just emotionally rattled! I know the Lord was with me. I learned a lesson I'd like to pass on to you. You may know this already — but the highway patrolman told me that you should NEVER drive in the rain with your cruise control on. He said if you did and hydroplaned (which I did) that when your tires were off the road your car would accelerate to a high rate of speed (which it did). You don't have much, if any control when you hydroplane, but you are totally in the hands of God when the car accelerates. I took off like I was in an airplane. I'm so thankful I made it through that ordeal. Please pass the word around about not using cruise control when the pavement is wet or icy. The highway patrolman said this should be on the sun-visor with the warning about air-bags. The only person I've found out who knew this (besides the patrolman) was a man who had a similar accident and totaled his car. This has made me wonder if this is not why so many of our young people are dying in accidents. Be careful out there! Some good advice, and you may know this already, but it is good to repeat! A 36 year old female had an accident several weeks ago and totaled her car. A resident of Kilgore, Texas, she was traveling between Gladewater & Kilgore. It was raining, though not excessive, when her car suddenly began to hydroplane and literally flew through the air. She was not seriously injured but very stunned at the sudden occurrence! When she explained to the highway patrolman what had happened he told her something that every driver should know NEVER DRIVE IN THE RAIN WITH YOUR CRUISE CONTROL ON. She had thought she was being cautious by setting the cruise control and maintaining a safe consistent speed in the rain. But the highway patrolman told her that if the cruise control is on and your car begins to hydroplaned - when your tires loose contact with the pavement your car will accelerate to a higher rate of speed and you take off like an airplane.. She told the patrolman that was exactly what had occurred. We all know you have little or no control over a car when it begins to hydroplane. You are at the mercy of the Good Lord. The highway patrol estimated her car was actually traveling through the air at 10 to 15 miles per hour faster than the speed set on the cruise control. The patrolman said this warning should be listed, on the drivers seat sun-visor - NEVER USE THE CRUISE CONTROL WHEN THE PAVEMENT IS WET OR ICY along with the airbag warning. We tell our teenagers to set the cruise control and drive a safe speed but we don't tell them to use the cruise control only when the pavement is dry. The only person the accident victim found, who knew this (besides the patrolman), was a man who had had a similar accident, totaled his car and sustained severe injuries. If you send this to 15 people and only one of them doesn't know about this, then it was all worth it. You might have saved a life.

Although these accounts are probably "real" in the sense that they indeed reflect someone's attempt to describe an automotive mishap that actually happened to him, the explanation about a hydroplaning car's suddenly accelerating and "taking off like a rocket" due to the use of cruise control is a garbled one probably reflecting the author's misunderstanding of what had occurred.

Nonetheless, the warning inherent to the tale — don't engage your vehicle's cruise control on slippery or wet roads — is well worth heeding. Snow, ice, slush, or even rain can cause wheel-spin and loss of control, situations to which drivers must react quickly. Although cruise control can generally be cut off by the driver's simply tapping the brake pedal, the extra reaction time required for a motorist relying upon cruise control to recognize the danger of the situation when his wheels begins to spin or slide on a slippery surface, bring his foot up off the floor to the brake pedal, and disengage the cruise control can be crucial (especially for drivers lured into a hazardous level of inattentiveness on long, flat stretches of road).

According to the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia's web page of tips about driving on wet roads:

The only way to stop wheels from spinning and maintain control is to immediately reduce power. An activated cruise control system applies continuous power, keeping the wheels spinning. By the time you disengage the cruise control it may be too late – you may have already lost control.

An example from the weekly "Drive It Forever'' automotive column by New York Times Syndicate writer Bob Sikorsky provided a description of one such occurrence:

Dear Bob: Cruise control can be dangerous. I have experienced, when driving in heavy rain or slush conditions with the cruise control set at a speed of around 70 mph, that one front wheel will hydroplane while the other wheel suddenly gets traction. Result: The car spins out and into the ditch or into traffic. I have been lucky to be able to catch it happening and touch the brake and recover quickly. As a former pilot, I literally wear the car and feel its moves and respond accordingly. Use of the cruise control in these conditions can be dangerous. Enjoy your column every week — keep up the good work. Sincerely, B.D., Albany, N.Y. A: While I haven't heard of this particular problem with cruise control, I can see your point — and indeed the experience you describe sounds like a hazardous one. The safety implications for an average driver are considerable. I agree, in short: In heavy rain or slush, the cruise should not be set at a high speed. For that matter, though, even without the cruise engaged, high speed under the aforesaid conditions is dangerous in and of itself. You really shouldn't be driving at 70 mph in slippery conditions, cruise or no cruise. Nor should any driver.

Wet-road driving is fraught with dangers that are not always immediately apparent. Just a thin layer of water lying on pavement can send an unsuspecting car hydroplaning into another lane — the car's wheels skim along the water's surface instead of making contact with the road. Also, roads constantly accumulate oily substances loosed by car exhaust, and this residue settles deep into the pavement. Rain brings this oil back to the surface, making roads especially slippery during that first hour of downpour or misting.

Likewise, winter driving carries with it a similar set of perils. Ice, snow, and sleet can make for dangerously slippery conditions, but so too can innocuous-looking slush and all-but-invisible "black ice." Those who habitually rely upon their vehicles' cruise controls should eschew the practice during the winter months, because the moments it takes to disengage cruise may be moments you don't have during a spin-out.

Garlits, Don. "Ask Big Daddy." The [Bergen County] Record. 24 April 1993 (p. B3).

Sikorsky, Bob. "Drive It Forever." The Dallas Morning News. 14 June 2002.

By Barbara Mikkelson

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Cars cruising on the highway on a rainy day.

Is It Dangerous To Use Cruise Control In The Rain Or Snow?

Cruise control makes highway trips a breeze. By maintaining a constant speed, it lets you concentrate on the road and also helps reduce fatigue. It’s just nice to have.

On the other hand, rain and snow present unique driving challenges. With traction at a premium, wet or snowy conditions present car safety hazards and require focused driver inputs.

So, can you use cruise control in the rain or snow? Let’s find out.

How does cruise control work?

HowStuffWorks provides a clear explanation of cruise control’s function. The system varies throttle inputs to maintain an even speed, using an actuator instead of an accelerator. As that happens, the throttle valve opens or closes, controlling how much air enters the engine.

Using cruise control is a simple process. Once you reach the desired miles per hour, press the “set speed” button to maintain it. If you want to go faster, press the appropriate button for an extra one or two mph. Conversely, hit the indicated deceleration button to slow down a little bit.

While basic cruise control has been around for a while, modern cars have an even better version: adaptive cruise control (ACC). ACC sustains a set mph while keeping a set distance from vehicles ahead .

Today’s ACC systems use high-tech equipment like lasers, cameras, and radars to sense the surroundings and optimize safety. Besides maintaining speeds and following distances, modern adaptive cruise control can stop before traffic and slow down in curves.

How rain and snow affect cruise control operation

For all cruise control’s benefits, using it in rain or winter conditions isn’t a good idea. As a vehicle’s cruise control tries to sustain speed in inclement weather, tires may lose grip and cause an accident. So when raindrops fall or snow accumulates, human inputs are essential to avoid car accidents.

In the rain, using cruise control at higher mph can cause hydroplaning. Or, in snow and ice, vehicles may lose traction, resulting in a skid into another lane or a spin off the road. It could also result in a driver slamming on the brakes and getting rear-ended.

When it comes to driving in low-traction conditions, there’s nothing like human senses and inputs. When a driver’s foot is on the pedal, they can detect tire spin, lift-off, and apply the brakes. That could mean the difference between a collision and driving away safely. Even ACC systems have a weather warning and that snow and ice can obscure vehicle sensors.

Other reasons to avoid using cruise control

Cruise control is also best avoided in stop-and-go traffic, while around pedestrians, or when you’re feeling tired . Here’s why.

Drivers shouldn’t use cruise control around town. With constant stops and starts, traffic lights, and pedestrians, it’s wise for drivers to control every aspect of their car’s performance.

Or, when you’re feeling sleepy, it’s best to leave the cruise control turned off. Driving while tired isn’t a good idea in the first place, and a constant speed only adds to that. Cruise control encourages “passive” driving and decreases alertness.

And in city environments, with pedestrians crossing streets, it’s good to turn cruise control off. You need to be aware of the surroundings and monitoring speed, without computers doing the work. That can lead to quicker inputs when needed.

Cruise control is an essential feature of modern vehicles. Helping maintain a set miles per hour, this automatic system reduces fatigue on long highway trips. And adaptive cruise control enhances safety by maintaining a safe distance from surrounding vehicles.

But inclement weather, like rain or snow, presents challenges best handled by attentive driver inputs. So, in those cases, it’s best to leave cruise control turned off. Still, in dry conditions, this feature makes highway travel an easier experience.

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Mark Reif has followed sports cars and auto racing since the early 80s, having read countless editions of Road & Track and Car & Driver and observed Formula 1, endurance racing, and the Indy 500. After earning a bachelor’s in industrial design from Virginia Tech, Mark finds himself looking deep into car designs to better understand their style and function. Living in Vermont and serving as a snowboard instructor, he’s interested in versatile all-wheel drive vehicles that can handle snow and ice. Mark has driven go-karts on closed circuits and loves the thrill of performance driving. He owns a Volkswagen GTI but loves German cars and Toyota trucks in general. He began writing automotive content in June of 2021 and joined MotorBiscuit as a contributor in 2023.

Avoid Cruise Control On Slippery Roads

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Myth: Cruise control can be used all the time regardless of driving weather.

Fact: Using cruise control when driving in the rain, snow, hail, sleet or ice, slippery roads can affect the system's ability to maintain a constant vehicle speed. On wet roads, cruise control set at too fast a speed could cause the vehicle to hydroplane when it encounters standing water. On very low-traction surfaces such as ice and snow, cruise control operation can result in a skid or spin. Drive safe and avoid using cruise control on slippery roads.

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Why cruise control is bad during heavy rainfall

When coupled with rain, cruise control can lead to disastrous — and potentially deadly — results..

Cruise control stalk on the 2016 Lexus RX 350 SUV is seen on Sunday, January 24, 2016.

(Christopher Evans/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images)

Cruise control can be both a lifesaver and a nightmare for drivers.

Cruise control gives many drivers a sense of security when driving on the road, from utilizing less gas to helping maintain a constant speed. However, when coupled with rain, this can lead to disastrous — and potentially deadly — results.

The most common way to stop cruise control is by pressing your brake, which is the opposite of what you should do when your car begins to skid; instead, you want to slowly ease off the gas pedal to slow your car down rather than flooring the brakes.

According to the Federal Highway Administration, from 2007 to 2016, more than 800,000 car crashes were caused by wet pavements, resulting in more than 300,000 injuries and more than 4,000 deaths in the U.S.

Traffic problems

Photo by Wolfgang Kumm/picture alliance via Getty Images

During a dry period, grease, dirt and other materials collect on the roads. When rain falls on top of that, those materials can create a film on the surface of the street, causing it to become extra slippery. The thin layer of grime above the water's surface reduces the car's traction while driving.

This can lead to hydroplaning, which means your vehicle spins out of control at high speeds. If this occurs while using cruise control, the use of breaks on your car can lead you to lose control and potentially spin out as both the brakes and tire will fail to gain any traction.

Limitations of cruise control

Cruise control also limits your ability to make immediate decisions. While maneuvering on highways in normal conditions, lowering speed is a matter of easing off the gas pedal. With cruise control, you are locked in at a constant speed and have less time to reduce your speed.

Photo by Steve Parsons/PA Images via Getty Images

Driving through wet roads at high speeds can cause your car to lose traction and hydroplane as your tires will rotate too fast to grip the roads properly. This is exacerbated by cruise control, which can require you to use your brakes to regain control of the vehicle.

While cruise control may seem like a safe alternative for driving long distances, with heavy rain conditions, cruise control's less-manual approach will prove to be more of a detriment when faced with split-second decisions on slippery roads.

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Let's Debunk The Idea That It's Not Safe To Use Cruise Control In The Rain

The internet is really useful for many things, ranging from letting your wi-fi enabled refrigerator to blast Yoo-Hoo ads 24/7 to letting you play Canasta with a naked man halfway across the world. But one of the things it truly excels at is spreading misinformed hysteria, often about driving. Such a case is the persistent and dire “don’t use cruise control in the rain” warning that has been floating around for well over a decade.

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21 Tips for Driving Safely in the Rain

Driving in the rain is an everyday occurrence. Rain happens all the time, and people still have to go places even when it’s wet on the roads. But wet weather driving can be hazardous, causing skids, hydroplaning, and slick roads. It can be tough to keep control of your vehicle when roadways are wet, but these tips can help you stay safer. Follow these tips to tackle rainy roads like an expert — and know when it’s smart to avoid driving, turn around, or pull over to wait for the rain to pass.

Don’t drive if you don’t have to : During heavy rain conditions and flooding, it is often better to stay where you are. If possible, stay out of hazardous rain and wait until the worst has passed before you hit the road.
Slow down : Rain means you need to budget for a longer travel time as traffic will be moving slower, and you’ll need to slow down. Hydroplaning most often occurs when vehicles are driving too fast, so slowing down is a smart move. Take extra care to slow down when the rain starts, as fresh rain will bring out the oils on the roadway and make conditions slicker.
Never use cruise control in wet conditions : Using cruise control during wet weather can cause you to lose control of your vehicle. Drivers may need to reduce speed by easing off the accelerator to prevent traction loss, but this is not possible when using cruise control. Additionally, the driver must remain fully engaged during wet weather driving, so cruise control should be avoided.
Turn on your defroster : Avoid windshield fogging that can interfere with your visibility by turning on your front and rear defrosters to clear it up.
Give extra room to other vehicles : You should always maintain a safe following distance, but be especially careful to give vehicles in front of you plenty of room. That way, you’ll have more time to react to what’s up ahead. Be sure to watch carefully for brake lights ahead of you.
Turn your lights on : If your windshield wipers are on, your lights should be, too. Headlights can help increase your visibility during the rain and make it easier for other vehicles to see you, avoiding a collision when it’s tough to see through the rain.
Avoid hard braking : Use your brakes as little as possible, taking special care to avoid hard braking if you can. Slow down, give others room, and take your foot off the accelerator fast enough so that you won’t have to slam on the brakes.
Avoid sudden movement s: Gentle steering, braking, and accelerating are best on wet roads.
Stay away from areas prone to flooding : Know which roads in your area are likely to flood and take a different route if you’re experiencing heavy rains.
Turn around, don’t drown : Driving into flooded areas can be dangerous and even deadly. Drive into a road that’s flooded too deeply, and your car could begin to float and take on water. It can even be washed away — with you in it. Don’t risk it. Check for depth gauges and know the roads you’re driving on. If you’re not sure how deep the water is, turn around and find another way.
Never drive off-road during rain : You may become stuck in puddles that you can’t judge the depth of. Don’t drive through moving water if you can’t see the bottom.
Know how to handle a skid : If your car begins to skid, don’t panic. Continue to steer in the direction you want to go and avoid slamming on your brakes, as it makes it harder to control your vehicle.
Be calm if you’re hydroplaning : If your car starts to hydroplane, gently ease your foot off the gas and avoid steering. Just slow down and hold on until your vehicle regains contact with the road.
Drive-in another vehicle’s tracks : Make it easy for your tires to handle the water and see what’s up ahead by following in the tracks of a vehicle ahead of you — give them plenty of space.
Avoid large trucks and buses : The spray created by large tires can reduce your visibility, so stay away from them if possible.
Be ready for gusty winds : With rain often comes wind, which can push your car and other vehicles around on the road or cause you to lose control. Keep a firm grip on your steering wheel, give a wide berth to high profile vehicles that may be more susceptible to wind, and be aware that you may be hit with strong gusts.
Watch for pedestrians : Take care not to splash pedestrians. Watch for puddles along the roadway where they may be walking parallel to you as you drive. 88% of pedestrian fatalities happen in the absence of inclement weather, but that doesn’t mean drivers can let their guard down.
Drive in the middle lanes : Water tends to pool more in outside lanes, so stick to the middle if possible.
Check your tires : Your tires are your best friend in wet weather driving, providing traction and keeping you steady on the road. Check your tread and tire pressure to make sure you’re ready to hit the road even when it’s wet.
Check lights and windshield wipers, too : Your windshield wipers can clear water quickly and help you see better, while lights give you and other drivers better visibility in the rain and dark. Make sure everything is in working order.
Pull over if it’s really bad : If you can’t see cars in front of you or are having difficulty controlling your vehicle, simply pull over and wait for the rain to slow down.

When Should You Not Use Cruise Control?

Table of Contents

Under What Conditions Should You Not Be Using Cruise Control?

Have you ever been driving along using your cruise control and had your wheels slip when you were driving down the road? Your cruise control system was not designed to be used in bad weather or on icy roads. This article explains why you should not use cruise control in the rain and why you should really only be using cruise control if the roads are dry.

What Is Cruise Control?

Cruise control is a feature that is installed on all new vehicles and should still be an option on most older vehicles even going back to the ’90s. While cruise control technology has been updated over the years the basic function of cruise control is to make sure that your vehicle maintains a steady speed depending on whatever speed to you set it to.

The Downsides Of Cruise Control

While the technology in cruise control has been improved over the years it is still a somewhat un intelligent system. Cruise control is designed to make sure that your vehicle maintains a certain speed regardless of what kind of road surface you are driving on.

This can become a problem for you if you are driving with your cruise control on and you hit a slick spot on the road as your cruise control will remain on and try to power the car through the slick spot. This can cause your vehicle to hydroplane out of control when you least expect it to.

Why You Shouldn’t Use Cruise Control In The Rain

If you use the cruise control of your vehicle in the rain you are at risk of hydroplaning your car and losing control of it. As it begins to rain the rainwater will create puddles on the road surface.

If you are driving down the road with your cruise control on your car doesn’t realize that the road surface may have lost some of its grip from the rainwater and continue to accelerate forward as if there was no rain on the road.

If you hit a spot of water in the road while your cruise control is on your car will continue to accelerate which can cause you to lose control of your car and slide off of the side of the road.

That is why if it is raining outside you should not use your cruise control while you are driving. If you see a puddle of water in the road you are more likely to slow down and not accelerate through it where your cruise control is not going to know to do that.

Allstate also has a post on its website outlining the dangers of using cruise control in the rain and why you shouldn’t do it .

Why You Shouldn’t Use Cruise Control On Icy Roads

Like I mentioned above most cruise control systems are not going to be intelligent enough to detect if you are driving on icy roads. This means that if you run into an icy spot on the road your car will still be trying to send power through the wheels to the ground which can make your tires slip and cause you to lose control of the wheel and slide off the road.

If you are ever driving on icy roads you should make sure that you keep your cruise control off and pay attention to the road surface to make sure that you don’t hit any patches of ice that could make you lose control of your vehicle.

If you do see a patch of ice that you cannot avoid it’s good to slow down before you hit the ice patch so that you will have more control of your vehicle when you hit the ice patch.

Why You Shouldn’t Use Cruise Control On Slick Roads

Even if it is not raining it’s still not a good idea to use your cruise control on wet roads. This is especially true in the fall time when there could be wet leaves on the road. Even if it is not raining at that time a wet road surface can cause your tires to slip especially if your tires are worn down or bald.

You may have brand new tires, they can also slip on the road surface if you are driving on wet roads. It’s best to only use your cruise control in optimal conditions and not in the rain or on wet roads.

That way your cruise control does not try to accelerate when it doesn’t have any grip on the road surface. Always pay attention to the road surface in front of you to make sure that the path is clear from debris while using cruise control or driving in general.

Why Should You Use Cruise Control?

When you use cruise control for long road trips or even short highway trips this allows your car to maintain a steady speed instead of accelerating and decelerating constantly. Because you are maintaining a steady speed this allows your engine to not have to work as hard to keep your vehicle moving at a steady speed. This, in turn, allows your vehicle to get more miles per gallon out of that tank of gas which saves you money in the long run.

With that said there are some people that are in the hyper mile community that can get a higher mile per gallon result if they use the gas pedal themselves. Hypermilers would get a higher mile per gallon out of their car by only feathering the throttle and allowing their car to coast down hills instead of continuing to apply the accelerator.

However, most people would benefit by using the cruise control instead of trying to get the best miles per gallon out of their vehicle by themselves because odds are you aren’t a hypermiler and you don’t know the best practices to be able to get the most mileage out of your tank of gas.

Adaptive Cruise Control

One new technology that has recently come out is called adaptive cruise control. Adaptive cruise control allows your vehicle to lock onto the vehicle in front of you and follow the vehicle in front of you at whatever distance you choose.

This is nice because you never have to worry about messing with adjusting your cruise control to match the speed of vehicles in front of you, your vehicle will do that for you.

One thing to note is adaptive cruise control is still going to have the same limitations as normal cruise control in bad weather or on wet roads. Adaptive cruise control may be able to judge the distances between you and the car in front of you but it still has no way to tell that you are about to hit a slick spot on the road. That is why you should not use adaptive cruise control in the rain or on icy roads.

My Cruise Control Story

When I was younger I bought a v6 mustang (it was the first car I ever purchased with my own money) that did not have a locking rear differential. This means that while the car could be powered by either of the rear wheels at any time both wheels don’t turn simultaneously if the wheels could not find any grip.

One time when I was giving my step father’s dad a ride home I was using cruise control on the highway and the road surface was somewhat wet. As I was driving there were two distinct times where my back wheels lost grip to the surface of the road and started spinning uncontrollably.

It’s important to note that It wasn’t raining at the time that this happened, the road was just wet from a past rainstorm that had passed through. This encounter was scary enough that I learned my lesson and no longer drive with cruise control on if the road surface is wet or if there are icy roads.

In Conclusion

Now you should have a better understanding of why you shouldn’t use cruise control in bad weather. While cruise control systems are used as an aid for drivers to get better miles per gallon while driving they are not intelligent enough to be able to cut power to the drive wheels of your car if you lose traction.

If you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle or a vehicle with a limited-slip differential this could aid in you losing traction while having cruise control engaged but it’s still best practice to not use your cruise control on wet roads or on icy roads.

You may also be surprised to know that you shouldn’t use cruise control in a brand new car. The reason may surprise you. To learn more about why you shouldn’t use cruise control in a brand new car click here .

Jake Jackson

Is it safe to use cruise control in the rain?

Cruise control in the rain

Is it possible for cruise control to cause an accident when the road conditions are slippery? Let's see why 'cruise control' could become 'lose control'

How does cruise control work?

Cruise control works by monitoring your car’s speed and then adjusting the throttle inputs to keep it at the same speed. It’s usually only accurate to within 3-5kph so it’s not a good idea to set it to 107kph because you may exceed the police’s tolerance level. To maintain the set speed, the engine has to fight against wind resistance, inclines, and the rolling resistance of the tires. Therefore when driving, the engine is always working because there’s always something pushing against the car. Unless you are driving on a sufficiently steep downhill gradient, in which case gravity takes over and you will speed up even with no throttle input.

Cruise control features-

On/off – this enables the cruise control to operate, but it doesn’t mean it’s activated Set – this sets the cruise control at the speed the car was doing when you press the button Cancel – this cancels the cruise control and gives you full control of the acceleration Resume – you can resume your speed to the last set speed automatically by pushing this button Increment/decrement – you can add or subtract usually 1, 5 or 10kph to the speed, depending on the system and options. Radar distance – if you have radar cruise control (also called adaptive cruise control) there are usually three distances, approximately 1, 2 and 3 seconds behind the vehicle in front, and the system will attempt to keep you at that distance, matching the speed of the vehicle you are following Some systems also have a speed limiter or a warning if you exceed the local speed limit.

Is cruise control dangerous in the rain?

The answer is both yes and no. No , but only if you have traction control and electronic stability control enabled in your vehicle. Ice, slush and snow is a different matter because you shouldn’t be travelling fast enough to warrant using cruise control and many vehicles don’t let you set cruise control at less than around 30kph. If you do not have traction control or stability control then yes , cruise control is dangerous in heavier rain or where there is standing water. Cruise control systems on older cars (or cheaper new cars) will continue to apply more power if it detects that it needs more power to maintain a particular speed. What makes this dangerous in the wet is aquaplaning (or hydroplaning). Aquaplaning is where your wheels ride up on a cushion of water, essentially sliding over the surface of the water, because the tread in the tires is not deep enough to disperse the water fast enough. Therefore, when you are aquaplaning, you have very little grip and any acceleration applied to the engine may be able to make the tires spin faster more easily. In the case of aquaplaning, the wheels spin which raises the pitch of the engine, making it seem like you are going faster even though you’re not. Since you have lost traction at that point, it’s easy to leave the road and crash. If you do get into a skid, do you know what to do? Advice given in the Road Code for correcting skids is now outdated and dangerous. Find out why by checking out this .

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Cruise control in the rain?
Advice for correcting skids is now outdated

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Should You Use Cruise Control in the Rain?

Cruise control is a great feature, especially on those long road trips. However, using cruise control on slippery roads is not a good idea. Cruise control operation on rainy days can result in a skid or spin when driving on low-traction surfaces. Keep reading to learn why you should not use cruise control in the rain.

Why shouldn’t you use cruise control in the rain?

Using cruise control when driving in the rain, snow, hail, sleet, ice, and slippery roads can affect the system’s ability to maintain a constant vehicle speed. For example, cruise control set too fast on wet roads could cause the vehicle to hydroplane when it encounters standing water.

Rainwater causes the oil and grease on the streets to rise to the top of the water. This creates a slippery surface that causes your car to hydroplane because the tires cannot tread through the water fast enough.

The scary part is that you do not even have to be driving fast for a car to hydroplane -especially if you have worn out tires . Hydroplaning can occur at speeds as low as 56 mph. Cruise control increases the chance of hydroplaning because the feature maintains a consistent speed.

In most cars, the feature can be disabled by hitting the brakes, but doing this, it can make the skidding worse, especially if you don’t have anti-locking brakes.

What is Aquaplaning?

Aquaplaning is where your wheels ride upon a cushion of water, essentially skating over the water’s surface because the tread in the tires is not sufficiently deep to disperse it fast enough. When you are aquaplaning, you have very little grip, and therefore any acceleration applied to the engine will be able to make the wheels spin faster and more easily.

Cruise control makes hydroplaning worse by trying to keep your vehicle going at a constant speed. You can disable it by applying your brakes, but if you do not have anti-lock brakes, hitting your brakes while hydroplaning will only worsen the skidding.

Is cruise control safe?

Yes. There are instances when using cruise control in the rain is not catastrophic. If you have traction control and electronic stability control enabled in your car, using cruise control is extremely safe.

Cruise control in snow and ice is a different matter because you wouldn’t be traveling fast enough to warrant using cruise control. Many vehicles don’t let you set the cruise control at less than 30kph. If you do not have traction control or stability control, cruise control is dangerous in heavier rain or standing water.

Is it illegal to use cruise control in the rain?

No. but you are legally and financially liable if you cause an accident by using cruise control in the rain . It is not advisable to use cruise control in the rain. The reason is that unsophisticated cruise control systems on older cars or cheaper new cars will continue to apply more power if it detects that it needs more power to maintain a particular speed.

When driving on wet roads, disable your cruise control and lower your speed. If you start to skid or hydroplane, take your foot off the gas, grasp the steering wheel with both hands, and steer toward the direction of the skid. Once you have some control, you can correct your car and get centered back in your lane.

Top tips for driving safely in the rain

Here are some safety tips to help you drive safely in the rain;

Double Check Your Car’s Equipment

Ensure that your car’s equipment is in working order before encountering rainy weather. Check your headlights, taillights, and windshield wipers to make sure that they will work efficiently when they are needed. Also, check the tread of your vehicle’s tires. Balding tires can severely reduce traction on wet roadways. Most states require tires to have a tread depth of at least 2/32″ to stay on the road

Avoid Sudden Movements

When accelerating, turning, braking, or steering in the rain, drive smoothly to retain maximum control. Make gradual speed or steering changes, and start slowing your vehicle by taking your foot off the gas earlier than you normally would before gently squeezing the brake pedal .

Don’t Use Cruise Control

Normally in wet conditions, lifting your foot off the accelerator transfers weight to the front of the car and slows you down enough to allow your vehicle to regain traction. However, the car won’t respond until you press on the brake when cruise control is engaged.

Avoid cruise control when driving in the rain leaves you with more options in a loss-of-traction situation.

Turn On Your Defroster

Avoid windshield fogging that can interfere with your visibility by turning on your front and rear defrosters to clear it up. It will also enable you to see better during foggy days .

You should adhere to the posted speed limit when driving in wet weather conditions, but you should also drive considerably slower than you normally would. Wet roads are very dangerous. In addition, your vehicle’s reaction time is much slower when it is raining. Therefore, reduced speed is imperative in rainy weather.

Turn on Your Headlights

Most states require drivers to turn on their vehicles’ lights while driving in the rain. Even if it is only misting, turning on your vehicle’s headlights will increase your visibility and other drivers’ ability to see your car on the road.

Use Your Windshield Wipers

While this may seem like common sense, some people forget to turn on their windshield wipers in light rain. Most cars’ windshield wiper speed is adjustable to clear moisture from the glass in a light mist or a heavy downpour.

There are also several products available that can be sprayed or wiped onto the glass and claim to defer rainwater collection. Your wipers should be replaced if you can hear a scraping noise or see some streaking from the blades

Maintain a Safe Distance Between Cars

Keep a greater distance between your vehicle and the car in front of you. Stopping your vehicle will be more difficult when driving in the rain. Maintain a distance of several car lengths between your car and other vehicles.

Avoid Heavy Braking

Try to slow your vehicle by taking your foot off the accelerator earlier than you normally would in preparation to slow down or stop. Don’t use cruise control, so your attention on using both the gas and brake are in tune.

Watch Out for Standing Water

Driving through standing water can cause hydroplaning, which is when you lose traction and skid across the road’s surface. To avoid hydroplaning, drive around places where water has collected by changing lanes or safely steering around such areas. Six inches of water can cause loss of control on the road

Let Off the Gas When Hydroplaning

Hydroplaning is one of the most common car accidents in the rain because drivers can lose control. If your car hydroplanes, calmly take your foot off the accelerator and steer. You should steer in the direction that the front of your car wants to go. Avoid making sudden turns or slamming on your brakes.

Ventilate Your Car

Rain causes humidity levels to increase. As a result, you may find that your vehicle’s windows become foggy when you operate it while it is raining. Most cars’ ventilation systems include a function that will reduce this type of fog that develops on the interior of your windows and windshield. It may be necessary to pull over if you can no longer see through your windows.

Lower the temperature inside your car quickly by cracking a window if your vent system doesn’t help. Staying safe while driving in the rain is simple if you make a conscious effort to employ these safety precautions.

Know the Roads

Roads are built to withstand different weather conditions in different parts of the country, so if you’re new to an area, use extra caution during or after a storm. Take a moment to consider your route, too.

If it takes you through low-lying bridge underpasses or past ditches prone to flooding, it might be a good day to take the freeway instead.

Don’t Drive into the water

If water is covering the markings on the road, it’s too deep to drive on. You can lose control with as little as three inches of water on the road. And even if you manage to stay in control, a larger vehicle could push some of that water underneath your car, causing your engine to stall.

Steer Where You Want to Go

If you’re going too fast and end up hydroplaning. Turn the wheel in the direction you want to go. Do not be afraid if you don’t steer out of the skid. It may take three to five adjustments to get back on course.

Can You Use Cruise Control In The Rain? Complete Guide!

Can you use cruise control in the rain? Cruise control allows drivers to maintain a steady speed while using less gas.

So, in this post, we’ll look at whether or not it’s possible and give you some reasons for or against using cruise control while it’s raining.

Keep reading to learn more!

It is preferable to avoid utilizing cruise control when the weather is bad, such as rain. Using cruise control at high speed, your automobile may hydroplane while approaching standing water. When driving in icy conditions, you risk slipping and eventually spinning out of control.

How Does Cruise Control Function?

Can you use cruise control In the rain?

To properly answer this question, you must understand how cruise control works.

Cruise control detects your vehicle’s speed and modifies the throttle inputs to maintain that speed.

It’s generally only accurate to within 3-5kph , so setting it to 107kph is a bad idea since you’ll likely occasionally exceed the police’s tolerance.

To maintain speed, the engine must overcome wind resistance, friction and power losses in the gearbox and differential, and tire rolling resistance.

Gravity is also a factor to consider if you are driving uphill.

As a result, while driving, the engine is constantly working since there is always something pushing against the vehicle.

Unless you are going on a steep downward grade, that gravity means you will speed up even if you don’t use the throttle.

Cruise Control Functions

On/off – This permits the cruise control to function, but it does not imply that it is active.

Set – This sets the cruise control to the speed at which the automobile was when you pressed the button.

Cancel – This disables the cruise control and provides complete control over the acceleration.

Resume: You may instantly resume your pace to the last specified speed by pressing this button.

Increment/decrement – Depending on the system and settings, you can normally add or remove 1, 5, or 10kph from the speed.

Radar distance – This setting can identify other vehicles and will automatically maintain a safe following distance behind them.

Why Shouldn’t You Use Cruise Control in the Rain?

While using cruise control is more cost-effective in certain situations especially if the road is flat and relatively straight, since the drivers don’t have to worry about receiving a speeding citation if they set the cruising speed below the limit.

However, there are some situations where you should not use cruise control, for instance, during the rainy season.

Rain after a period of hot and dry weather generates slick roadways. As a result of this rain causes the oil and grease on the road to rise to the surface.

This produces a slick, ice-like state on the road , but it may quickly deteriorate if your tires cannot tread through the water quickly enough.

This is known as hydroplaning, which may occur at speeds as low as 35 MPH .

Hydroplaning may cause a variety of problems, including:

1. Traffic Problems

During the summer, grime, oil, and other debris accumulate on the roadways.

When rain falls on top of it, those elements may form a coating on the street’s surface, making it very slippery.

The thin layer of filth over the surface of the water hinders traction when driving.

Hydroplaning , a condition in which a car spins out of control at high speeds, and the resulting traffic are both consequences.

If this happens while you’re on cruise control, using the brakes might cause you to lose control and perhaps spin out.

2. Limitations of Cruise Control

Cruise control also restricts your capacity to make quick judgments while using cruise control in the rain. In typical driving circumstances, slowing speed is as simple as relaxing off the gas pedal.

When you use cruise control, you are locked in at a fixed pace and have less time to slow down.

Driving at high speeds on wet roads might cause your vehicle to lose traction and hydroplane because your tires spin too quickly to grasp the surfaces effectively.

This is made worse by cruise control, which may force you to apply your brakes to recover control of the car.

While cruise control may seem a safe option for driving long distances in heavy rain, the less-manual cruise control approach may be more of a hindrance when confronted with split-second judgments on slick roads.

3. Cruise Control Worsens Hydroplaning

Is it safe to use cruise control in the rain?

Cruise control worsens hydroplaning during the rainy season by attempting to maintain a consistent speed.

You can disable it by braking, but if you don’t have anti-lock brakes, braking while hydroplaning would worsen the skidding.

If you begin to skid or hydroplane:

Reduce Your Speed

More diver safety experts think hydroplaning is most probable at speeds higher than 35 miles per hou r. Slow down significantly as soon as the first droplets strike your windshield.

Reduce your speed by half the miles from the posted limit if the weather is bad, and much more if the wind is blowing strongly.

Hydroplaning is made more likely by sudden changes in speed, such as those required to pass. Always try to avoid starting off at a slow speed and racing off.

Rotate and Balance Your Tires Regularly

Hydroplaning is more likely to occur in worn tires , therefore maintaining their condition is another way to avoid losing control of your car in the rain .

Select High-Quality Tires Designed to Prevent Hydroplaning

This is especially crucial for drivers who reside in parts of the nation where it rains often. Regularly replace your tires.

On wet roads, I t’s risky to get behind the wheel with worn or flat tires.

Stay Away From Puddles and Standing Water

Avoid any area of the road where you can see the water has accumulated.

A thin coating of water causes hydroplaning . If you can see standing water, your car will almost certainly hydroplane as it travels over it.

However, no matter how cautious the driver is, hydroplaning may still occur.

If your car starts to hydroplane over a wet road surface, you may restore control by doing the following steps:

Stop immediately . Hydroplaning brakes are useless. On a wet road, sudden braking might cause a skid.
Gently move your steering wheel towards the hydroplaning direction. This can help straighten your tires and restore steering control.
Wait for the tires to reconnect with the road surface. When the car has driven out of the hydroplaning scenario, the driver will be able to tell.
After regaining control of your vehicle after hydroplaning on a wet road, you may want to pull over to rest and collect your thoughts.

Note the Following While Using Cruise Control in the Rain

When driving in adverse weather, such as rain, you shoul d avoid utilizing cruise control as much as possible .

The reasoning behind this is that if you set your car’s cruise control at a too high speed, it may cause your vehicle to hydroplane when it comes into contact with standing water.

Additionally, when driving in situations where there is ice on the road, you face the danger of your vehicle sliding and, as a result, spinning out of control.

So, It is in your best interest to avoid using cruise control while driving in bad weather.

This will allow you to maintain full control of your vehicle and adjust the speed of your automobile according to how the road is being driven.

Read Next: Can You Charge A Tesla In The Rain? Complete Guide!

Final Verdict

Can you use cruise control in the rain?

If it’s raining, don’t use cruise control . High-speed cruise control may cause hydroplaning near-standing water.

Icy roads may cause skidding and loss of control.

On rainy roads, disable cruise control and slow down. If you skid or hydroplane, take your foot off the pedal and steer in the skid’s direction.

Once you regain control, you may return to the center of your lane.

Thanks for reading!

What's My Car Worth?
Buyer's Guide

How to Use Cruise Control Safely

Everything you need to know for safe, stress-free driving with your car's cruise-control system.

Its Job Is to Maintain Speed

Cruise control's primary function is to maintain the speed of your choosing, relieving you of needing to keep your foot on the throttle. Virtually all cars on the road today rely on an electronic control module—a computer—to monitor the vehicle's speed and to readjust it as needed to hold the speed you've chosen regardless of the road's gradient.

Know the Controls

You operate cruise control by either a stalk on the steering column or several buttons on the steering wheel. These include an on-off switch; a "set" button to select the speed you want the car to maintain; and buttons or switches marked "+" and "—" that increase or decrease the speed after it has been set, often in 1-mph increments. A "cancel" button disengages the cruise-control system without shutting it off entirely, allowing the car to coast. (Cars with stalk-operated cruise control have a "cancel" position that you move the stalk to in order to disengage the system.) A "resume" function or button brings the car back to its previously set speed. Braking or depressing the clutch at any time will also cancel cruise control. Should you need to make a quick pass, you can always override the preset speed by simply pressing down further on the gas pedal.

Adaptive Cruise's Added Features

Many newer cars offer what's known as adaptive cruise control, sometimes also called active cruise. It works in the same way as conventional cruise systems and additionally relies on front-mounted radar , cameras, or sensors to detect the presence of vehicles directly ahead in your lane. This enables adaptive cruise-control systems to maintain a set distance from the vehicle in front no matter how it varies its speed.

Adaptive systems allow you to adjust how closely your vehicle follows the one ahead but are programmed so that they always maintain at least a safe minimum following distance. Some of these systems also have the ability to brake and even come to a complete stop in city traffic and, depending on the vehicle, automatically accelerate without the driver pressing the gas pedal when traffic starts to move again.

Semi-Autonomous Cruise Control

Finally, the newest, most advanced cruise control systems, such as such as Nissan ProPilot Assist, Subaru EyeSight, and Audi Traffic Jam Assist, are semi-automated driving assistants that combine adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assist, which self-steers the car gently to keep it in lane if you let it wander out—although you can only take your hands off the wheel for a few seconds before the system sounds alarms and then shuts off.

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Most of these systems also can autonomously negotiate only the most gentle curves on the interstate. Some semi-autonomous systems, such as those from Tesla and Mercedes-Benz , can do more, including steering the car into the adjacent lane while keeping enough distance from other cars.

Follow These Safety Rules

No matter which type of cruise control your car has, the guidelines for using it effectively and safely are the same:

Always remain alert and aware of other traffic, and be ready to take control and brake or steer around obstacles, inattentive drivers, or emergency situations.
Think of even the most advanced adaptive and semi-autonomous cruise control systems as "dumb." They are programmed by humans and may react unpredictably in certain, unforeseen conditions. (See previous point: "remain alert.") Rain, snow, and fog can obscure radar signals and confuse cameras or sensors, sometimes disabling adaptive cruise control entirely. As with conventional cruise control, with an advanced cruise system you must always be prepared to take full control at a moment's notice.
Cruise control is still best suited for use on highways and in light traffic. If your vehicle has conventional (not adaptive) cruise control, be sure to leave adequate spacing between your car and those ahead, and be prepared to disengage the system by braking or tapping "cancel" as you creep up on other vehicles or get into heavy traffic.
Do not use cruise control in slippery conditions, including snowy or icy roads or rain-soaked roads awash in deep puddles. Most cruise systems will attempt to maintain your speed until you intervene, and on slippery roads that could cause you to momentarily lose traction, upsetting the car and potentially precipitating an accident.

Treat cruise control as a simple labor-saving convenience, however—but one that must be monitored—and you'll enjoy many miles of comfortable, stress-free travel.

Clifford Atiyeh is a reporter and photographer for Car and Driver , specializing in business, government, and litigation news. He is president of the New England Motor Press Association and committed to saving both manuals and old Volvos.

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Cruise Control: Quiet weather pattern sets up for the week

It's nice to be able to go through Festival Week with a pretty easy forecasting slate.

Typically this week is a pressure cooker, trying to nail down when and where there might be rain and how it could impact everyone's plans.

Not this year.

This year the feet are up (in flip flops of course) and the days are spent diligently planning which bands are the must see.

Sunshine has made it to Acadiana and we will stay partly to mostly sunny through the remainder of the work week.

Temperatures have been warm, but pleasant and they'll average the low to mid 80s through most of the week.

There's a pretty steady southerly flow so we will see humidity increase over the next several days, and lows as a result will get back into the 60s and 70s.

Despite the increase in moisture the rain chances will remain low through the remainder of the week and weekend.

Our next front is expected to move through on Monday and while it should provide some showers it doesn't look like much cool air will be getting in behind it.

Enjoy this round of weather this week, spring will start to wind down soon and we've got a long, hot summer ahead of us.

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Russia Maps Show 25% of Moscow Without Power Amid Winter Freeze 'Emergency'

R ussian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the nationalization of an ammunition plant in Moscow after a mechanical failure caused tens of thousands of Muscovites to lose heat and water amid freezing temperatures beginning last week.

On January 4, a heating main burst at the Klimovsk Specialized Ammunition Plant in the town of Podolsk, which is around 30 miles south of central Moscow. Since then, tens of thousands of Russians are reported to have no heating in their homes in the Moscow region amid subzero temperatures.

Affected areas include the cities of Khimki, Balashikha, Lobnya, Lyubertsy, Podolsk, Chekhov, Naro-Fominsk, and Podolsk, a map published by a Russian Telegram channel and shared on other social media sites shows.

Other Russian media outlets reported that in Moscow, residents of Balashikha, Elektrostal, Solnechnogorsk, Dmitrov, Domodedovo, Troitsk, Taldom, Orekhovo-Zuyevo, Krasnogorsk, Pushkino, Ramenskoye, Voskresensk, Losino-Petrovsky, and Selyatino are also without power.

That means that in total, more than a quarter of Moscow's cities have been hit with power outages and a lack of heating.

Newsweek has contacted Russia's Foreign Ministry for comment via email.

Many residents have taken to publishing video appeals on social media to complain about their freezing conditions. In one clip, people living in Moscow say that they are left with no choice but to warm their homes with gas stoves, heaters, and "whatever else we can find." Others said they are lighting fires in the streets to keep warm.

Andrei Vorobyov, governor of the Moscow region, announced on Tuesday that Putin ordered the ammunition plant to be nationalized because two of its owners have been "located abroad." He didn't name the individuals.

"We received the right to take control of this boiler house within the framework of an emergency," Vorobiev said, adding that the plant's boiler room was managed "very poorly" and there was "virtually no qualified competent personnel."

Russia's Investigative Committee has opened a criminal case over Klimovsk Specialized Ammunition Plant not meeting safety requirements.

On Tuesday, the committee said that because of the incident, the deputy head of Podolsk's administration, the head of the plant's boiler house, and the general director of the ammunition plant had been detained.

Residents of Selyatino have described the situation as "some kind of struggle for survival," Russian Telegram channel ASTRA reported.

Power outages have also struck St. Petersburg, Rostov, Volgograd, Voronezh, Primorsky Territory, and Yekaterinburg.

Do you have a tip on a world news story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about the Russia-Ukraine war? Let us know via [email protected].

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People walk on the Patriarch Bridge over the Moskva river, with the Kremlin seen in distance, during a snowfall in Moscow on November 24, 2023. Tens of thousands of Muscovites don't have heat and water in their homes.

Ukraine-Russia war latest: Russia vows to attack 'Western weapons stores' after US aid bill passes

In response to "threats posed by the United States", Moscow's defence minister has said Russia will increase strikes on logistics centres and storage depots of Western weapons in Ukraine. Listen to a Daily podcast on the notion of the UK sending troops to Ukraine while you scroll.

Tuesday 23 April 2024 16:53, UK

UK to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP
Russia vows to 'increase attacks on Western weapons stores' in response to US aid bill
Moscow warns Europe of 'prepared response' if West seizes assets
Russia trying to persuade Ukrainians to leave major city ahead of potential offensive - as television tower knocked out
The big picture: What's happening with the war right now?
Your questions answered: How long will it take for any aid to turn the tide militarily?
Listen to the Sky News Daily above and tap here to follow wherever you get your podcasts
Live reporting by Lauren Russell

We are pausing our live coverage of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Today, Rishi Sunak announced a £500m military aid package for Ukraine - the UK's largest military pledge to the country.

In a speech in Warsaw, Poland, Mr Sunak said: "An investment in Ukraine is an investment in our security."

The prime minister also said he would put the UK's own defence industry "on a war footing" as he confirmed an increase in defence spending to 2.5% of national income by 2030.

The announcements were praised by NATO secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg, who said the UK was "leading by example" for other NATO countries.

Potential Russian summer offensive

Elsewhere, a commander from Ukraine's National Guard has said Russia is planning "unpleasant surprises" in a potential summer offensive.

Oleksandr Pivnenko told news outlet Liga Net that, as part of this, the National Guard does not rule out Russian attempts to target Kharkiv - the country's second-largest city.

Kharkiv and the surrounding region have recently been the focus of recent attacks from Moscow, having experienced the most intense strikes.

Russia vows to attack 'Western weapons stores'

The Russian defence minister said that when the US military aid package for Ukraine becomes law, Russia will "increase the intensity of attacks on logistics centres and storage bases for Western weapons".

Ukraine is set to receive provisions worth nearly $61bn.

The bill will later be voted on in the US Senate, where it is likely to pass. Joe Biden has promised to sign it into law immediately after this.

The latest appeal by detained Wall Street Journal journalist Evan Gershkovich has been rejected by a Russian court.

Mr Gershkovich was arrested on suspicion of spying while reporting in the Ural Mountains city of Yekaterinburg on 29 March last year.

His latest appeal was against a ruling last month that extended his detainment until 30 June.

It was heard by a Moscow court and later rejected.

Mr Gershkovich has been accused of stealing state secrets by Russian intelligence officials, who provided no evidence to support the charge.

Both Mr Gershkovich and the WSJ deny the accusation, as does the US government, which has classified him as wrongfully detained.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has just finished speaking in Poland.

As expected, Mr Sunak officially announced a £500m military aid package for Ukraine.

"An investment in Ukraine is an investment in our security," he said.

Mr Sunak said he would put the UK's own defence industry "on a war footing" as he confirmed an increase in defence spending to 2.5% of national income by 2030.

This goes above the 2% defence investment guideline which is set by NATO.

The announcement was praised by NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, who said the UK was "leading by example" for other NATO countries.

He added that the bloc did not seek conflict with Russia but would do what was necessary to keep its people safe.

Other key things said during the news conference:

Mr Sunak said Vladimir Putin would not stop in Ukraine. Win there, and he and others would be emboldened;
He praised the recent approval of aid for Ukraine in the US House of Representatives, but said: "We cannot keep expecting America to pay any price or bear any burden if we ourselves are unwilling to make greater sacrifices for our own security";
The prime minister said he was determined to reform defence procurement - something which has long come under scrutiny as a potential area for savings;
At least 5% of the defence budget to be committed to research and development to ensure the UK is at the cutting edge of modern warfare technology.

Rishi Sunak has just begun speaking at a news conference alongside Jens Stoltenberg, the NATO secretary general, in Warsaw, Poland.

The prime minister is visiting the country to cover defence funding and support for Ukraine.

You can watch the full conference live in the stream above or follow along in our Politics Hub...

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has reportedly detained a man in Kharkiv suspected of helping direct Russian aerial attacks on an elite Ukrainian military unit base.

In a post on Telegram , the agency said the man helped Moscow's forces to identify the location of the military intelligence's Kraken special unit.

The SBU claimed the individual was recruited at the beginning of the month via social media where he had been posting anti-Ukraine content.

The man was charged under the Criminal Code of Ukraine and remains in custody, the SBU said.

He faces up to eight years in prison.

A second man was also arrested, according to the SBU, who they said allegedly helped "adjust Russian rocket bomb attacks on Kharkiv".

It is unknown if he has also been charged.

The UK will increase defence spending to 2.5% of national income by 2030, the prime minister is will to announce, in a hardening of military policy at a time of growing threats.

The expected rise is less ambitious than some insiders say is needed - but it will mean tens of billions of additional pounds for the armed forces over the next six years.

Rishi Sunak had previously said any extra investment would only happen when economic conditions allow. That caveat looks set to be removed.

The UK move comes at a time of escalating threats to global security posed by Russia's war in Ukraine, conflict in the Middle East and an ever-more assertive China.

Read the full story by our security and defence editor, Deborah Haynes, here ...

A commander from Ukraine's National Guard has said Russia is planning "unpleasant surprises" in a potential summer offensive.

Speaking to news outlet Liga Net, Oleksandr Pivnenko said that, as part of a potential offensive, the National Guard does not rule out Russian attempts to target the Kharkiv - the country's second-largest city.

He said troops may achieve some success in a summer offensive by attacking "unexpected places" in the region but will not gain any strategic victories.

"We are getting ready," Mr Pivnenko said.

"The enemy will make unpleasant surprises for us. It will operate in areas where we do not expect [them to]. But it will not achieve its goal."

Kharkiv and the surrounding region have been the focus of recent attacks from Moscow, having experienced the most intense strikes.

As we have been reporting, Rishi Sunak is set to announce a new £500m military aid package for Ukraine.

The aid is expected to include more than 400 vehicles and more than 1,600 strike and air defence missiles.

How will these extra provisions help Ukraine?

Our military analyst Michael Clarke says the aid will make a difference politically, but won't come close to what the US or other European countries can offer militarily.

"Britain is the first European country since the US's announcement on Saturday that they are going forward with the aid package," Clarke says.

"Britain is putting in less than 1% of the US package but what we are offering is what we have got that the Ukrainians say they want.

"What they really need is the things we don't really have, good old-fashioned air defence systems."

Storm Shadow missiles

Clarke says what might make a difference to the Ukrainians are Shadow Storm long-range precision-guided missiles that troops have found useful in the past.

"I suspect we are now dipping into our own stores and MBDA - who make the missiles - certainly can't make the number that we are now giving," Clarke adds.

"I suspect we are giving some from our own stock and it will take a couple of years to build up again. This is a fair sacrifice."

Husky vehicles

Also being given are 160 Husky vehicles, which Clarke says are "unglamorous but make a difference when fighting a battle".

"These are mine resistant vehicles that are useful around the combat zone," he says.

The UK has also pledged four million rounds of ammunition, which Clarke says is not enough, but other European countries are finding ways of getting more munitions.

Rishi Sunak has landed in Warsaw, where he will meet Donald Tusk, the Polish prime minister, and Jens Stoltenberg, the NATO secretary general.

Joining Mr Sunak on the visit is Jeremy Hunt, the chancellor, and Grant Shapps, the defence secretary.

Our political editor Beth Rigby was also on the flight to Poland.

During the journey Mr Sunak addressed the UK's latest military aid package to Ukraine.

He told reporters he was "very proud" that the UK has always led on support for Ukraine.

"We are Europe's largest defence spender and one of the few countries that's consistently met the 2% [of GDP] NATO spending pledge, and today's action is another example of us leading by example," he said.

The Russian defence minister has said his troops will increase the intensity of strikes on logistics centres and the storage depots of Western weapons in Ukraine.

Sergei Shoigu addressed the new US military aid package for Ukraine, worth nearly $61bn, in remarks to defence officials.

In an apparent reaction to the aid package, Mr Shoigu said: "In proportion to the threats posed by the United States and its allies, we will continue to improve the composition and structure of the armed forces and increase the production of the most popular weapons and military equipment.

"We will increase the intensity of attacks on logistics centres and storage bases for Western weapons."

As part of the package, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, Kyiv will soon receive more long-range ATACMS missile systems.

US officials said the aid will also include ammunition supplies and interceptors for air defence systems.

The in-demand aid package will be voted on in the US Senate later today, where it is likely to pass. Joe Biden has promised to sign it into law immediately after this.

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IMAGES

Adaptive cruise control in the rain.
Rain & Cruise Control
Can I Use Cruise Control Safely In The Rain?
Can you drive with cruise control in the rain?
Avoid Using Cruise Control in the Rain
Is it safe to use cruise control in the rain?

VIDEO

#cruise #rain
Rain Cruise ♪
Все функции круиз контроля! Chevrolet Cruze
Cruise in Rain ❤️ #automobile #modifiedcarspk #bagged #civic #stance #304 #carenthusiast #car #rain
Mercedes-Benz C63S AMG 4.0 Premium Cabriolet registered June 2017 (17) in Iridium Silver Metallic
AWESOME bouncy landing under heavy rain ! Airbus A319 EasyJet @ Euroairport MLH/BSL

COMMENTS

Myth Busting: Can you use cruise control in the wet?
So, if you do want to use cruise control in the wet, go for it, but just like you would if you weren't using it, set the speed a little lower than the signposted limit. And make sure your tyres ...
Is Using Cruise Control on Wet Roads Dangerous?
Dear Bob: Cruise control can be dangerous. I have experienced, when driving in heavy rain or slush conditions with the cruise control set at a speed of around 70 mph, that one front wheel will ...
Can You Use Cruise Control in the Rain?
How much you slow down (or the reduced speed you set for cruise control) depends on your driving skills and the severity of the rain. The general recommendation is reducing normal speeds by a third in wet conditions.. Hence, if you are cruising at 60 mph (96.5 km/h), the speed on the same route when it's raining should be 40 mph (64.4 km/h).
Is It Dangerous To Use Cruise Control In The Rain Or Snow?
How rain and snow affect cruise control operation. For all cruise control's benefits, using it in rain or winter conditions isn't a good idea. As a vehicle's cruise control tries to sustain speed in inclement weather, tires may lose grip and cause an accident. So when raindrops fall or snow accumulates, human inputs are essential to avoid ...
Tips for driving safely in the rain
The cruise control should never be used during the rain. If you begin hydroplaning while the cruise control is on, you will actually be going faster. It could take a second or two for the cruise control function to disengage allowing you to take control of your vehicle and slow down. Those seconds could be critical. Brake cautiously
Avoid Cruise Control On Slippery Roads
Myth: Cruise control can be used all the time regardless of driving weather. Fact: Using cruise control when driving in the rain, snow, hail, sleet or ice, slippery roads can affect the system's ability to maintain a constant vehicle speed. On wet roads, cruise control set at too fast a speed could cause the vehicle to hydroplane when it encounters standing water.
Why cruise control is bad during heavy rainfall
Cruise control gives many drivers a sense of security when driving on the road, from utilizing less gas to helping maintain a constant speed. However, when coupled with rain, this can lead to disastrous — and potentially deadly — results. The most common way to stop cruise control is by pressing your brake, which is the opposite of what you ...
Is It Safe to Drive with Cruise Control in the Rain?
It is advised to drive without cruise control in the rain due to the phenomenon called aquaplaning or hydroplaning. Aquaplaning or hydroplaning is a situation where water builds up between the treads of your tires, which leads to a slight lifting of the car from the ground. So, in this case, the vehicle will literally begin to slide over a ...
Let's Debunk The Idea That It's Not Safe To Use Cruise Control In The Rain
The internet is really useful for many things, ranging from letting your wi-fi enabled refrigerator to blast Yoo-Hoo ads 24/7 to letting you play Canasta with a naked man halfway across the world ...
Is It Safe to Drive in the Rain With Cruise Control On?
Cruise control is highly useful on lengthy road trips, but when the rain starts to come down, you need to worry about certain hazards. The rain can mix with grease and oil on the road, and of course grease rises. That makes for a slippery surface, and if your tires can't make it through the water effectively, you hydroplane.
Can You Use Cruise Control in Rain and Snow?
As for how cruise control works, sensors are used to determine the overall speed of your vehicle. An actuator controls the throttle, allowing your vehicle to maintain its current speed without using the accelerator. Why is it Unsafe to Use Cruise Control in the Rain and Snow? Using cruise control in the rain and snow is a bad idea because ...
Cruise control on wet roads
#cruisecontrol #rain #wet Is it safe to use cruise control in the rain? Yes, and no. In this video I explore this commonly shared piece of advice:"A 36-yea...
21 Tips for Driving Safely in the Rain
Take extra care to slow down when the rain starts, as fresh rain will bring out the oils on the roadway and make conditions slicker. Never use cruise control in wet conditions: Using cruise control during wet weather can cause you to lose control of your vehicle. Drivers may need to reduce speed by easing off the accelerator to prevent traction ...
When Should You Not Use Cruise Control?
Why You Shouldn't Use Cruise Control In The Rain. If you use the cruise control of your vehicle in the rain you are at risk of hydroplaning your car and losing control of it. As it begins to rain the rainwater will create puddles on the road surface. If you are driving down the road with your cruise control on your car doesn't realize that ...
Is it safe to use cruise control in the rain?
Is cruise control dangerous in the rain? The answer is both yes and no. No, but only if you have traction control and electronic stability control enabled in your vehicle. Ice, slush and snow is a different matter because you shouldn't be travelling fast enough to warrant using cruise control and many vehicles don't let you set cruise ...
Why You Shouldn't Use Cruise Control in the Rain
Cruise control makes hydroplaning worse by trying to keep your vehicle going at a constant speed. You can disable it by applying your brakes, but if you do not have anti-lock brakes, hitting your ...
Should You Use Cruise Control in the Rain?
Yes. There are instances when using cruise control in the rain is not catastrophic. If you have traction control and electronic stability control enabled in your car, using cruise control is extremely safe. Cruise control in snow and ice is a different matter because you wouldn't be traveling fast enough to warrant using cruise control.
Can You Use Cruise Control In The Rain?
Cruise control also restricts your capacity to make quick judgments while using cruise control in the rain. In typical driving circumstances, slowing speed is as simple as relaxing off the gas pedal. When you use cruise control, you are locked in at a fixed pace and have less time to slow down. Driving at high speeds on wet roads might cause ...
How to Use Cruise Control Safely
Rain, snow, and fog can obscure radar signals and confuse cameras or sensors, sometimes disabling adaptive cruise control entirely. As with conventional cruise control, with an advanced cruise ...
Cruise Control: Quiet weather pattern sets up for the week
Temperatures have been warm, but pleasant and they'll average the low to mid 80s through most of the week. There's a pretty steady southerly flow so we will see humidity increase over the next ...
Noginsk, Moscow Oblast, Russia Weather
Be prepared with the most accurate 10-day forecast for Noginsk, Moscow Oblast, Russia with highs, lows, chance of precipitation from The Weather Channel and Weather.com
Residents Outside Moscow Protest Power Outage, Demand Heating Amid
Residents of a Moscow region town impacted by power outages have taken to the streets, demanding that local authorities restore heat to their homes as subzero temperatures grip the region, Russian ...
Elektrostal
Elektrostal. Elektrostal ( Russian: Электроста́ль) is a city in Moscow Oblast, Russia. It is 58 kilometers (36 mi) east of Moscow. As of 2010, 155,196 people lived there.
Russia Maps Show 25% of Moscow Without Power Amid Winter Freeze ...
Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the nationalization of an ammunition plant in Moscow after a mechanical failure caused tens of thousands of Muscovites to lose heat and water amid ...
Ukraine-Russia war latest: Russia vows to attack 'Western weapons
In response to "threats posed by the United States", Moscow's defence minister has said Russia will increase strikes on logistics centres and storage depots of Western weapons in Ukraine. Listen ...

Myth Busting: Can you use cruise control in the wet?

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How Does Cruise Control Function?

Cruise Control Functions

Why Shouldn’t You Use Cruise Control in the Rain?

1. Traffic Problems

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3. Cruise Control Worsens Hydroplaning

Reduce Your Speed

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Final Verdict

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